Illinois First Lady Diana Rauner Visits Effingham

Illinois First Lady Diana Rauner journeyed to Effingham Monday evening on behalf of the Illinois Executive Mansion.

(DIANA RAUNER)

Also known as the governor's mansion, the Executive Mansion has fallen on hard times. Diana Rauner said the last renovation took place in 1970, and said there's been little done as far as upkeep in close to 20 years. In Rauner's words, "It's been left to rot". The Rauners have relocated to a residence on the State Fairgrounds while the restoration is completed.

The renovation will be financed with private funds, and the First Lady attended a reception at the home of Dwight and Karen Erskine to make her pitch for funding help.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation with Illinois First Lady Diana Rauner...